Imprinting apparatus



Feb. 11, 1936. C WELLS 2,030,081

IMPRINTING APPARATUS Filed May 17, 1934 s Sheets-Sheet 1 Z0 /.5 a a: /5 2/ INVENTOR U Jam/Maw Mafia m ATTORNEY Feb. 11, 1936.

E. C. WELLS IMPRINTING APPARATUS Filed May 17, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb; 11, 1936. Q WELLS I 2,030,081

IMPRINTI NG APPARATUS Filed May 17, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR' ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 11, 1936 PATENT OFFICE IDIPRINTING APPARATUS Edward 0." Wells, Dayton, Ohio, assignor to Platt Iron'Works, Inc Dayton, Ohio, a corporation of New York Application May 17, 1934, Serial No. 726,030 1'7 Claims. (01. 17s 25) This invention relates to the printing or impressing of letters or other characters, and more particularly to printing telegraphs, and the like, having provision for controlling the imprinting of characters at a remote point.

Printing telegraph systems are now widely used as for the transmission of press dispatches and the like, and in accordance with present practice such systems comprise a transmitting device electrically interconnected with receiving devices at a number of receiving stations so that matter typed at the transmitter is reproduced on the several receiving machines. These printing telegraph systems, like the conventional typewriter,

afford but a single value of letter space so that the copy produced thereon is arranged as lines of random length in which only one margin may be aligned. That is, as in ordinary typewriting, the left hand margin of a sheet may be readily aligned as by the provision .of a suitable stop, but as the character spaces are of onlyone length and as the lines can only be properly terminated at the end of a word or at a place where a word may be properly hyphenated, the lines are necessarily of random length so that a non-uniform right hand margin results. Such copy, having a ragged or non-uniform right hand margin, may serve adequately as a means of communication, but before such copy can be used in a newspaper column or as a printed page it must be rewritten and rearranged in order that the lines may be made of uniform length or, in other words, in order that the lines may be justified.

Through the practice of this invention it is possible to operatea printing telegraph machine in a manner that the transmitted copy is produced in lines of uniform length. Mechanism is incorporated in the machines whereby the character space length may be varied to afford a spacing such that all lines are produced to a predetermined or justified line length. Such operation affords great advantages in that, for example, the justified copy taken directly from the machine may be converted, as by a photolithographic process, or by photo-engraving, directly into a suitable printing form having justified lines as for use in a news column or a printed page.

It is therefore one of the principal objects of this invention to provide printing telegraph apparatus controlled from the sending station for varying the spacing of the characters at the receiving station so that the characters may be associated in lines justified to a predi teimincd length.

Another object of the invention is the provision of printing telegraph apparatus embodying a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver for associating the selected characters in spaced relationship, control mechanism being provided for operation at the transmitter to establish a value of character spacing at the receiver that is coordinated with the number of characters in a line of copy for reproduction of that line to a predetermined length. 0

Another object of the invention is the provision of printingtelegraph apparatus having provision for the production of justified lines, and having a simple control therefor including an actuating key that is adapted for successive or repeat opera- 15 tion such that upon each actuation the character spacing is altered by the amount of one whole character space in the justified line length.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, 20 the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a printing 25 telegraph transmitting machine constructed in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of the machine shown in Fig. 1; the view being taken as indicated by the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; 30

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the justifying device, with some of the parts removed for clearness of illustration;

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; 35

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view of the escapement mechanism at the transmitting machine;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line ll of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 isa fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the space adjusting mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary elevational View, partly 45 in section, of one of the control keys at the sending station;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11, is a fragmentary elevational view, partly in section, of a portion of the electrically actu- 50 ated mechanism of a receiving machine;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 is a view partly in section of the space return switch, as indicated by the line 13-43 of Fig. 3; and 55 Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic showing of the local circuit for the escapement and space adjusting mechanism.

In printing telegraphs the transmitting machine incorporates a keyboard generally similar to a conventional typewriter. .The various keys will, when depressed, operate mechanism to close electrical circuits by which the receiving machines are energized to actuate corresponding mechanism. The transmitter may also include type bars and a platen so that a printed copy is produced at the transmitter as the transmitting keys are actuated. The receiving machines have the printing keys and platens but do not necessarily include a keyboard as they are actuated in accordance with electrical impulses sent from the transmitting machine. As the system of operation of these printing telegraph machines is well known it is thought unnecessary for an adequate disclosure and clear understanding of this invention to reproduce or describe these mechanisms in their entirety, and consequently only those portions of the printing telegraph machines have been illustrated which are thought to be necessary in the description of this invention. Attention is directed at this time to the patents to Edward E. Kleinschmidt 1,565,165, December 8, 1925 and 1,703,152, February 26, 1929 which will be referred to in the description of this invention as illustrative of the sending and receiving machines and the connecting circuit that may be employed. Further, as a considerable portion of the machine structures are common to both .here shown as a device separate from the machine ll but having an operating connection thereto. It is to be understood that this spacing device may be incorporated as an integral part of the machine ll instead of being separately mounted as illustrated. A carriage l5 forms part of the spacing device I and, as shown, is supported at l6 and I! for free movement on the stationary frame l8. The carriage l3 of the machine II is connected to the carriage l5 of the spacing device so that both carriages will move together. The carriage l3 has a platen 20 for support of a paper sheet on which type characters are impressed as the transmitting keys are actuated.

The machine H is provided with a keyboard 22 having the usual keys for actuation of the.

difierent. type bars carrying letters. etc., and for actuating the word space, the carriage shift, etc. Included in the machine H are the usual five selector bars 23 (see Figs. 9 and 10) which, in the case of the transmitting device are displaced in predetermined combinations by key operation to energize the line circuit connecting the transmitting and receiving machines. Similar selector bars 23', as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, are provided. on the receiving machine at the receivin station, but the bars 23' are displaced in combinations corresponding to the displacement of the bars 23 by mechanism operated by el ctric l bars.

the carriage teeth of the ratchet 32.

impulses in the line circuit connecting the machines ior selection and operation of the type The machine at the receiving station is generally similar in construction to the sending machine I I but does not include manually operable keys nor a copy carrier such as is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. The function and operation of the selector bars 23 and 23' are well known in the printing telegraph art, and they consequently are not shown or described in detail here. Reference is here made to the albove numbered patents for a complete description of them. The selector bars are, however, shown diagrammatically and reference is made to Fig. 10 which shows a form of transmitting mechanism 24 that is axiallly actuated by engagement with the selector bars to energize the line circuit 25 in accordance with the selector bar positioning The line 25 extends to the receiving machine (see Fig. 12) .where suitable mechanism is employed to translate the current impulses of the line circuit into movement of the selector bars 23'.

The carriages l3 and I5 are arranged to be moved step by step, as selected keys are struck, and means are provided for cont-rolling the amount of a step in accordance with the number of characters in a line. The carriages are constantly urged toward the left (the right hand margin position) by spring tension which is controlled to efiect stepped movements by provision of an advancing device which acts against the tensioned spring. The advancing means as shown, comprises a carriage advancing solenoid 30 (see Fig. 5) and a latching magnet 3| which operate against a ratchet wheel 32, such mechanism taking the place of the escapement ordinarily provided on a typewriter and serving as an escapement in that it gives a predetermined accurate amount of step movement to the ratchetwheel 32. The ratchet wheel has fixed to ita pinion 33, having an operating connection to 13 through adjustable spacing mechanism affording variable space movement of the carriage. The carriage is advanced one step or one character space movement each time the solenoid 30 is energized. As mentioned it is constantly urged toward the right through provision of a spring. This spring. indicated at 31, is mounted on the frame l8 and carries a spool 39 upon which is wound a ribbon 40 which has r connection at 4| to the carriage I5 of the spacing device. As shown, the carriage advancing solenoid includes a coil having a movable anmature 46 which at its upper end carries a pawl 41 pivotally connected at 48. The pawl has an end 50 which is adapted to engage successive A laterally extending pawl arm 5| has connected to it a, spring 52 which is supported at 53 from the frame l8. This spring serves to hold the solenoid armature in its upper position and is sufficiently tensioned 'to overcome the tension of the.spring.31 and move the carriage against the tension of the spring 31. A stud 55 serves to hold the pawl end ing the solenoid coil 45 the pawl is withdrawn and, due to the spring 52, is caused to engage the next following ratchet tooth. The pawl also carries a laterally extending arm 56 which, in retracted position, engages the stop 51 so that during the continued energization of the solenoid coil after withdrawal of the pawl it is held in a clearance position with respect to the ratchet wheel. Upon deenergizing the coil when a depressed key is released, the first movement of the pawl is into engagement with the ratchet tooth and subsequent movement produces advance of the ratchet wheel by one tooth space to move the carriages I3 and I5 a step to the left.

The escapement latching magnet 3|, which holds the ratchet wheel 32 during retraction of the solenoid armature 41, includes a coil 60 and a fixed armature portion. 6|! which has pivotally connected at 62 a movable armature portion 63'. The end of the movable armature carries a pawl 54 which is arranged'to engage the ratchet teeth. A spring 65 serves to hold this pawl in engaging position except when the coil 60 is energized.

During carriage advance, that is, during travel of.

the carriage from left hand to right hand margin position, as when writing a line, the latching coil 60 isnot energized so that'upon energization of the solenoid and withdrawal of the pawl 41 the latch magnet pawl 64 prevents return of the ratchet and carriage to the left hand margin position under urge of the spring 31.

A circuit, under control of a contact and operating key, is provided such that at the end of a line both the solenoid and latching magnet 3I may be simultaneously energized to release the 30 ratchet for return of the carriage to the left hand margin position. carriage advancing circuit is a local circuit as illustrated diagrammatically in F g. 14 which shows.

current supply leads I0 and 'II connected to a suitable source. The lead I0 is shown extending to one end of the coil of the solenoid 30. The lead II extends to one side of contact or switch 12 which is operated by any letter or space key of the machine II. The lead 'II also connects to 4;) contact or switch I3 which is adapted to be closed to return the carriage. The opposite side of the switch 12 includes a resistance I4 connecting to the end of the coil of the solenoid 30 opposite the lead I0. The opposite side of the switch I3 connects to one end of the coil of the magnet 3| and its opposite end connects at E5 to the circuit of the coil 30. Resistance is provided to give a suitable reduction in current when coil 30 alone is energized by switch I2. The switch or) I3 connects the latching magnet coil and the solenoid coil in series across the line so that upon closure of the switch 13 both coils are energized to permit return of the carriage. l

As mentioned above, the operating connection 5-3 between the carriage advancing device or escapement and the carriage is such that the character space movement may be varied. As mentioned, the movable carriage I5 of the spacing mechanism is supported for free movement (A) on the frame I8, and the movable carriage of the spacing mechanism is attached to the carriage I 3 for simultaneous movement. As

shown in Fig. 1, the bracket ll of the carriage I5 has an extending part 83 that is fixedly at- .3 tached at 84 to the carriage I3. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention the variable spacing mechanism as shown in Fig. 4 comprises a plurality of interconnected gears of varying pitch diameter, each of which has meshing with it a rack which may be selectively attached to the carriage l5 of the spacing device to provide the desired extent of character space. The gears,

numbered to 96, are fixedly mounted upon a shaft 91 which is sup-ported for rotation at 98 7:; from the spacing mechanism frame 58, and at 99 This circuit as well as the in a bracket I00 also fixed to the frame l8. The gear 90 stands in constant intermeshing relationship with the escapement pinion 33. The gear racks, numbered from I00 to I 05 inclusive, are supported in the carriage I5 so that they are free to-slide with respect to the carriage. As shown in Fig. 3 the carriage I5 carries cross members I01 and I08, each of which has spaced slots I09 corresponding-in position to the racks, and each carries a supporting pin III! which engages slots III in the racks. The slots III are of sufficient length to permit the required free movement'of the racks. Each rack terminates in an extending end II2 which is provided with a transversely projecting stud II 3 (see Fig. 6) The assembled relationship of the gears and racks is suchthat' when the carriage is in the left hand margin position these studs I I3 will stand in axial .alignment. 'The racks are operatively connected tothe carriage part through provision of latches I26 inclusive which lie closely adjacent their corresponding racks. Each latch is provided with a notch I21 which is positioned with respect to the pivot axis IIO to engage the corresponding rack stud II3 upon lowering the latch when the carriage is in the left hand margin position. These latches are urged downwardly through provision of springs I28 and are controlled in their downward latching movement by a control device indicated generally by the numeral I29 and shown as comprising a plurality of axial y spaced cams which are carried upon a shaft I30 rotatably supported at I3I and I32 on the carriage part I5. These cams, numbered I40 to I46 inclusive, are of disk like form and each has a V-shaped notch. The cams are axially spaced on the shaft corresponding to the latching members and the notches have a uniform angular spacing so that but a single latch is engaged at a time. As shown, the latch ends are provided with rollers M1 for free rotation on the periphers of the cams.

The gears 90 to 96 are of related diameters so coordinated that all of them will provide space lengths such as to equally divided into a pre-B determined line length. Thatis. the spacings afforded by the different gears are of aliquot fractions of a predetermined, line length. The gear "relationship is based on what might be termed normal spacing, that is, a spacing corresponding to that of a conventional typewriter which, for example, will produce ten characters to the inch so that a 6" line will contain sixty character spaces.- We will assume that in this illustrative example the smallest gear 90 of the several gears is of such pitch diameter as to advance the carriage by for each movement of the escape- Inent. There will then be ten character spaces for each inch of travel or sixty character spaces in a 6" line. The other gears are of successively increasing diameter and bear predetermined relation to the first gear and to each other which is such that each gear will traverse the carriage for the predetermined line length with one less character space than the next preceding gear. That is, gear 9I-will traverse the 6" sixty normal space line with only fifty-nine. character spaces and gear 92 do likewise with only fifty-eight character spaces.

. This particular example of spacing relationship has been chosen because it is based on a normal spacing corresponding to spacing found in conventional typewriters. In reproducing copy on this machine to justified lines it is first written at normal spacing wherein the lines will be off irregular length due to the fact that but a single space length is aiforded. This unjustified copy is then used at the transmitting station as an index in selecting the required length of character space for reproduction of a selected line to justified line length. This original or unjustified copy may be prepared on a machine that is capable of writing to normal spacing. The unjustified copy is then placed in a copy carrier on the transmitting machine I I and is used as a reference in establishing a space length for the transmitting machine, and also for the receiving machine or machines for reproducing the unjustified copy to justified length through provision of control mechanism which is operable to alter the space length in accordance with the indicated unjustified line length.

As shown, the movable carriage I5 of the transmitter is provided with a copy carrier I50 which comprises a frame I5I carried by brackets I52 extending to the carriage part I5, and having supporting bearings I53 for free rotation of a roller I54. The roller has an operating handle I55 by which it may be rotated. The carrier is of such form as to receive the unjustified copy and to support it in view of the transmitting operator when this copy is carried around the roller I54. Suitable clips I51 are provided which are mounted on a cross rail I58 on the carrier.- These clips serve to hold the unjustified copy in place againsst the roller so it may not be unintentionally displaced, and so that it will be held to be readily visible to the operator. A pointer I60 is provided on the transmitting machine as an indicator for reference with the unjustified line ends. This pointer is operatively connected to the control shaft I30, and is arranged to move in coordinated relationship with the movement of that shaft. The pointer I60 terminates at its upper end at a point opposite the carrier roller, and at its lower end is afnxed to a cross bar I6I that is mounted for sliding movement on the members I01 and I08 that support the racks. As shown, the bar I6I is slotted as indicated at I62 to receive screws I63 that are held in the supporting members. A spring I64 serves to constantly urge this pointer bar to the right at which end it is provided with a roller I65 that engages the peripheral edge of a cam I66. This cam is provided with a series of stepped faces @rresponding in number and in angular positioning to the notches of the several cams I40 to I46. As shown, the cam faces stand at progressively increasing distances from the center of rotation ofthe shaft I 30 and bear a relationship to the latch cams such that the cam face of shortest radial length will stand opposite the pointer bar when the, cam notch 01' the cam I40 is aligned for latching engagement of the rack I00 that meshes with the normal spacing gear 90. Further, the difference in elevation of the stepped faces of this cam is the same as normal. letter spacing sothat as the cam is rotated the pointer will move in stepped amounts corresponding to normal character spacing; the spacing of the unjustified copy. If the control is positioned to aiford the normal spacing described above, and the unjustified copy is placed in the carrier so that the end of a sixty spaceline, the established predetermined line length,

- stands in registration with the pointer, that line respond in length with the unjustified line as both of these are written to the same spacing. Having established the positioning of the unjustified copy, if a shorter line is then brought into position on the carrier and the indicating pointer is moved into registration with this line end by rotation of the control shaft, there will be a simultaneous and automatic adjustment of the spacing mechanism such that this shorter line will be reproduced to the predetermined line length when it is typed. This is because of the coordination of pointer movement and relationship of the several spacing gears.

The construction just described is that of the transmitting machine of a printing telegraph system which incorporates in addition to the transmitting mechanism the usual type bars and platen of a typewriter so that the operator can see the transmitted subject matter. The arrangement, as described, is such that the transmitted typed matter appears on the platen in justified form. It will be understood however that control mechanism is provided whereby the copy reproduced at the receiving machines will also appear in justified form. As the spacing mechanism in the receiving machines is substantially a duplicate of that just described it is thought that the operation of this device will be apparent without a complete drawing of the receiving machine. The receiving. machines, of course, will not include the copy carrier and pointer as this is used only at the transmitter as a reference in typing the subject matter to be transmitted from unjustified copy. Except for this the spacing mechanism of both transmitter and receiver is the same in construction. In the receiving machine actuating bars are substituted for the key bars for actuation of the different type bars in accordance with the movement of the selector bars.

Keys are provided on the transmitting machine to provide for adjustment of the space length of the transmitter and corresponding actuating bars under the control of such keys are provided on each receiving machine whereby justified copy is produced. A typical key for adjusting the spacing mechanism or its return to normal as is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, and is shown as comprising a bar I10 which is pivoted at I1I from the frame I2 and has the usual key button I12 by which it is depressed. A spring I13 is provided to hold this key in its normal upward position. This key, like the letter keys and other keys of the transmitting machine, stands directly above the selector bars 23 and, like the other keys, there is provision in the selector bars for movement thereof in a predetermined relationship upon depression of these justifying control keys. There are two keys for justifying purposes, one for actuating the space adjusting mechanisms to adjusted position, and an additional one to return the mechanisms to normal position prior to a second adjustment. Referring now to the transmitting mechanism, there is a lug I15 on the key bar I10 that is positioned to close the circuit of a switch I16 upon actuation of the key. The swich I16 is in a local circuit shown in Fig. 14 at the transmitting station, a similar circuit and mechanism being provided for each receiving machine. This circuit includes the coil of a solenoid I80 that serves to advance the justifying spacing mechanism. As shown, the space advancing solenoid I80 comprises a coil I8I having an armature I82 that is held in a downward position through provision of a spring I83. The

upper end of the armature carries a pawl I84 pivoted thereto at I85. The pawl has-an engaging end I80 which is adapted to engage and advance a ratchet I90 by successive engagement with the ratchet teeth. In unenergized position of the solenoid the pawl I 84 is held out of engagement with the ratchet through provision of a lug I9I that engages the solenoid end and swings the pawl end I86 outwardly. Upon energizing the solenoid the spring I92 acts to swing the pawl end inwardly against the ratchet so, that upon further upward movement it advances the ratchet by one tooth; being guided at the end of its stroke by the stud I93.

The ratchet I90 is fixed to a splined shaft I95 that extends transversely of the machine and which has slidably mounted upon it a bevel gear I96 rotatably supported in a bracket I91 on the movable carriage I5, and on the corresponding carriage of the receiver. This gear also carries a spline so that it rotates with the shaft I65 although it is axially slidable thereon. The gear I96 meshes with another bevel gear I98 that is fixed to the end of the control shaft I30. The tooth spacing of the ratchet I90 and the relationship of the gears I96 and I98 is such that for each tooth movement of the ratchet I90 the control shaft I30 will be moved angularly an amount sufiicient to step from one latch engaging position to the next adjacent latch engaging position. Movement of the controlshaft and associated parts from the normal position is resisted I by a spring 209 which constantly urges these parts toward normal positioning. Advancing movement by the solenoid I80 is against the tension of this spring. A latching magnet 205 is provided to hold the control in adjusted position against tension of the spring. As shown, the latching magnet. comprises a coil 206 having a fixed armature part 201 to which is pivotally attached at 208 a movable armature 209 carrying pawl 2I0 adapted for engagement with the ratchet teeth and held in engagement by a spring H I.

Each time the key I10 at the transmitting station is depressed it closes the circuit of the switch I16 and completes a circuit from the local supply lines 10 and H through the coil of the solenoid I80 to energize the solenoid and advance the spacing mechanism by one step. As mentioned, when deenergized the solenoid pawl I84 stands out of engagement with the ratchet I90. The latching magnet pawl, however, remains in engagement to hold the control in adjusted position. In operating the justifying mechanism the key I10 is depressed the required number of times to move the pointer I60 into registration with an unjustified line end. Each time the key is depressed it moves the space adjusting control by one step, and moves the pointer accordingly. Also, it actu ates the selector bars of the transmitter each time so that the proper electrical impulses are' transmitted to the receiving machines through the transmitting impulse mechanism 24 of the transmitter which connects through the line 25 to a selecting mechanism of any suitable or well known construction at the receiving machine. This produces similar actuation of the receiving selector bars and operation of the receiving machine space adjustments.

To refer now more particularly to the receiving machine;type bar actuation may be in accordance with that shown in Kleinschmidt 1,565,165, and the common operating mechanism shown in that patent may be utilized in actuating the carriage advance as well as the space ad-.

justing mechanism. As pointed out previously, the receiving machine is provided with actuating bars which, in effect, correspond to the keys of the transmitting-machine. are provided for the'carriage advance and space adjustment and serve, upon operation, to close Actuating bars the circuits to the various control solenoids and magnets. One of the actuating bars or pull bars is shown in Figs. 11 and 12, and is illustrated as comprising a pivotally mounted bar 225 that is supported at 226 from the frame structure I2 which includes also a support 228 for a switch 229 which corresponds in function to the switch I16 of the transmitting machine. The switch has an arm extension 230 which is tensioned against an insulating member 23I fixed to the pull bar. This pull bar, like the other pull bars of the receiving machine, stands .directly above the selector bars 23' of the receiving machine, I

and will drop into the bar notches when the proper combination of selector bar movement is effected. Upon dropping into the selector bar notches the switch 229 is closed and energizes the space adjusting solenoid corresponding to the solenoid I80 of the transmitter. The pull bar just described has a spring 230 urging it downwardly and has a lug 23I which engages the roller 232 of the rock shaft 233 that is operatively connected to the solenoid 234 that is automatically actuated in a printing telegraph machine subsequent to movement of the selector bars. This solenoid operation is well known in the art, and it is believed that further description is unnecessary. A separate pull bar is provided for return of the space adjustment to normal on the receiving machine just as a separate key is provided on the transmitting machine for this purpose.

Upon completion of a line of writing the carriage is returned to the left hand margin position by depressing a key to close the carriage return switch 13. Subsequently a control key similar to the illustrated key I10, and having a switch 2I4, is then depressed to close a local circuit and to energize, the adjustment latching magnet 205 for releaseof adjusting mechanism to normal position under urge of the spring 200; a suitable stop being provided for the control shaft I30 in the normal spacing position. This operation takes place at both the receiving and .sending stations.

cuit position, and is only closed by movement of, the carriage to left hand margin position. As shown, the frame I8 carries a switch box 2I6 which encloses a stationary contact 2I1. Enclosed also is a movable contact 2I8 that is attached to a pivotal arm 2I9 supported on a pivot axis 220. A spring 22I urges this switch towards the open circuit position and holds it so against the stop 222. The switch arm 2I9 extends upwardly for engagement by a stud 223 that is fixed to the movable carriage part I5, and is positioned to close this switch only when the carriage is in the left hand margin position.

At other times this switch is open so that the circuits of the It is through that it is now apparent that through the practice of this invention it is readily possible to utilize printing telegraph machines for the transmission of copy in justified form. And that further, by utilizing telegraph printers in this manner copy is reproduced in such form as to be ready for use in justified lines without the necessity of first recopying it to justified line length. Still further advantages obtain in that the copy may be taken directly from the machine and may be converted, as by a photo-lithographic or photo-engraving process, into a printing plate suitable for use in the production of a news column or a printed page.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a printing telegraph system, a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver operated by said transmitter for grouping type characters in space relationship, adjustably variable character spacing means on said receiver, a control circuit connecting the transmitter and receiver, and means operable at the' transmitter and effective -on the control circuit for adjustably varying the spacing means at the receiver for justifying lines of characters at the receiver.

2. In a printing telegraph system, a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver operated by said transmitter for grouping selected type characters, selectively variable character spacing means on said receiver, a-control circuit connecting the transmitter and receiver, a contactor in the control circuit at the transmitter, means at the receiver connected to the control circuit for movement by contactor actuation for selectively varying the character spacing means to adjust the length of character space movement of said receiver spacing means by amounts differing by one whole character space in a predetermined line length.

3. In a printing telegraph system, a transmit ter for selecting type characters and a receiver operated by said transmitter for grouping selected type characters, character spacing means on said receiver, justifying means for varying the extent of character space length of the receiver in predetermined amounts varying from one another by one whole character space in a justified line length, and control means therefor operable at the transmitter comprising a contactor adapted for repeat operation to alter the space length by one whole character space in, a justified line length for each successive actuation thereof.

4. In a type character associating device adapted to associate characters in lines of justified length, a transmitter having means for selecting type characters, a receiver controlled by said transmitter for associating the selected characters in spaced relationship, character spacing means on the receiver, means for varying the extent of character space length of the receiver in predetermined amounts varying from one another by one whole characterspace in the justified line length, and control means therefor operable at the transmitter and comprising a contactor adapted for repeat operation to alter the space length of the receiver by one whole character space in a justified line length for each successive actuation thereof, and means at the transmitter for indicating the required space length.

5. In a type character associating device, a transmitter having means for selecting type characters, a receiver remotely controlled by said transmitter for associating the selected characters in spaced relationship, said receiver having a platen movable between right and left hand margin positions and having spacing means adapted to move said platen by character space steps, a circuit controlling switch at the transmitter, means controlledthereby at the receiver for varying the extent of a character space step, and means controlled by movement of the platen to render said switch ineffective except in one margin position of said platen.

6. In a type character associating device, a transmitter having means for selecting type characters, a receiver remotely controlled by said transmitter for associating the selected characters in spaced relationship, said receiver having a platen movable between right and left hand margin positions and having spacing means adapted to move said platen by character space steps, means comprising a circuit and a controlling switch therefor to vary the extent of character space movement of said platen with respect to a normal space movement, means comprising a second circuit and a controlling switchto return the spacing means to normal spacing, a safety switch controlling the circuits of the space varying and return switch, means operable with said platen to close said safety switch in only one margin position of the platen for closure of said space varying and return switch circuits only in the one margin position.

7. In a printing telegraph system, a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver operated by said transmitter for grouping selected type characters, character spacing means on said receiver, means for varying the value of a character space of the receiver with respect to a normal space length in predetermined amounts varying from one another by one whole character space in the, justified line length,

- means urging the space varying means to normal positioning, control means for the space varying means operable at the transmitter and comprising a contactor adapted for repeat operation to alter the space lengthof the receiver by one whole character space in a justified line length for each successive actuation thereof, holding means engaging said space varying means to maintain the spacing means in adjusted positioning, and a separate contactor at the transmitter adapted upon actuation to disengage the holding means for return of the spacing means to the normal position.

8. In a printing telegraph system, a transmitting typewriting device, a receiving typewriting device, adjustably variable spacing means at the receiving device adjustable for varying the length of character spacing to reproduce unjustified copy to justified line length, a copy carrier at the transmitting device to hold unjustified copy in predetermined positioning, indexing means at the transmitting device registrable with a line end of the unjustified copy as an index of adjustment of the spacing means to reproduce the indicated line to justified length, and electrical means connecting the receiver and transmitter for positioning the adjustably variable spacing means at the receiving device in accordance with the positioning of the indexing means at the transmitting device.

9. In a printing telegraph system, a. transmitting typewriting device, a receiving typewriting device, a control circuit connecting the transmitting device and the receiving device, adjustably variable spacing means at the transmitting and receiving devices having connection to the control circuit and adjustable for varying the length of character spacing to reproduce unjustified copy to justified line length, a copy carrier at the transmitting device to hold unjustified copy in predetermined positioning, indexing means at the transmitting device movable into registration with a line end of the unjustified copy as an index of adjustment of the spacing means to reproduce the indicated line to justified length and operably connected to the transmitting device. spacing means for movement in coordinated relationship therewith, and means at the transmitting device to energize the control circuit.

10. In a printing telegraph system, a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver 1 for grouping the selected characters at predetermined spacing, a control circuit connecting the transmitter and receiver, adjustably variable spacing means at the receiver having connection to the control circuit and adjustable for varying the length of character spacing to reproduce unjustified copy to lines of justified length, a copy carrier at the transmitter to hold unjustified copy in predetermined positioning, indicating means at the transmitter movable into registration with a line end of the unjustified copy as an index of adjustment of the spacing means to reproduce the indicated line to justified length, and means in the control circuit at the transmitter having coordinated actuation with the movement of the indicating means for adjustment of the receiver spacing means.

11. In a printing telegraph system, a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver for grouping the selected characters at predetermined spacing, a control circuit connecting the transmitter and receiver, adjustably variable spacing means at the receiver having connection to the control circuit and adjustable in steps of one character space in the justified line length for varying the length of character spacing to reproduce unjustified copy to lines of justified length, a copy carrier at the transmitter to hold unjustified copy in predetermined positioning, indicating means at the transmitter movable in steps of one character space of the unjustified copy into registration with a line end of the unjustified copy as an index of adjustment of the spacing means to reproduce the indicated line to justified length, and means in the control circuit at the transmitter having coordinated actuation with movement of the indicating means for adjustment of the receiver spacing means.

12. In a printing telegraph system, a transindicated line to justified length, and keying means in the control circuit at the transmitter for concomitantly moving the indicating means and energizing the control circuit.

13. In a printing telegraph system, a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver for grouping the selected characters at predetermined spacing, a control circuit connecting the transmitter and receiver, adjustably variable spacing means at the receiver for varying the length of-character spacing to reproduce unjustified copy to justified length, a solenoid operatively connected to the control circuit for actuation of the adjustable spacing means in accordance with energization of the control circuit, a copy carrier at the transmitter to hold unjustified copy in predetermined positioning, indicating means at the transmitter movable into registration with a line end of the unjustified copy as an index of adjustment of the spacing means to reproduce the indicated line to justified length, a solenoidoperatively connected to the control circuit for actuation-of the indicating means in accordance with energization of the control circuit, and means to energize the control circuit.

14. In a printing tele raph system, a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver for grouping the selected characters at predetermined spacing, a control circuit connecting the transmitter and receiver, adjustably variable spacing means at the receiver for varying the length of character spacing to reproduce unjustified copy to justified length and adjustable from a normal position in amounts difier ing by one whole character space in the justified line length, a solenoid operatively connected to the control circuit for actuation of the adjustable spacing means in accordance with energization of the control circuit, a copy carrier at the transmitter to hold unjustified copy in predetermined positioning, indicating means at the transmittermovable into registration with a line end of the unjustified copy as an index of adjustment of the spacing means to reproduce the indicated line to justified length, a solenoid operatively connected to the control circuit for actuation of the indicating means in accordance with energization of the control circuit, and means to energize the control circuit.

15. In a printing telegraph system, a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver for grouping the selected characters at predetermined spacing, a control circuit connecting the transmitter and receiver, adjustably variable spacing means at the receiver for varying the length of character spacing to reproduce unjustified copy to justified length and adjustable from a normal position in amounts difiering by one whole character space in the justified line length, means urging the adjusting means to normal position, a solenoid operatively connected to the control circuit-for actuation of the adjusting means in accordance with energization of the control circuit, a copy carrier at the transmitter to hold unjustified copy in predetermined positioning, indicating meansat the transmitter movable into registration with a line end of the unjustified copy as an index of adjustment of the sp cing means to reproduce the indicated line to ustified length and movable from a normal position corresponding to the justified line length in steps of one space length, means urging the indicating means to normal position, a solenoid operatively connected to the control circuit for actuation of the indicating means in accordance with energization of the control circuit, means to energize the solenoid control circuit, a second control circuit operable to return the adjusting means and indicating means to normal position, and means to energize the second control circuit.

16. In a printing telegraph system comprising a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver for grouping the selected characters at predetermined spacing, a control circuit connecting the transmitter and receiver, adjustably variable spacing means at the receiver mounted for reciprocatory movement 'thereon and adjustable for varying the length of character spacing to reproduce unjustified copy to lines of justified length, adjusting means for the spacing means comprising a rotatable splined shaft extending in the direction of movement of the spacing means, shaft moving means operatively connected to the shaft for' controlling rotational movement thereof and connected to the control circuit, means connected to the spacing means and slidably mounted in driving engagement on the splined shaft, and means operable at the transmitter and connected to the control circuit for actuation of the space adjusting means.

17. In a printing telegraph system, a transmitter for selecting type characters and a receiver for grouping the selected characters at predetermined spacing, variable spacing means at the receiver comprising a plurality of selectively engageable relatively fixed spacing members of differing space length characteristics, a control circuit connecting the transmitter and receiver, space adjusting means at the receiver connected to the control circuit and operable in accordance with energization thereof for selective engagement of a desired spacing member, and means operable at the transmitter and effective on the control circuit for actuation of the space adjusting means.

EDWARD C. WELLS. 

